Current status of aircraft batteries in the U.S. Air Force

A major transition is underway in the US Air Force to convert from conventional vented-cell to sealed-cell aircraft batteries. This new generation of aircraft batteries is based on starved-electrolyte, gas-recombinant technology, resulting in both high reliability and maintenance-free operation. Sealed lead-acid (SLA) and sealed nickel-cadmium (SNC) batteries both have been developed and qualified for aircraft use. The author presents an overview of current retrofit initiatives for various Air Force aircraft. Results from a user survey are also presented, covering the current battery and charger status of all aircraft in the Air Force active inventory as of 1991.<<ETX>>

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